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Yemen

Last updated:

February 26, 2015 15:36 ET

Still valid:

March 3, 2015 17:34 ET

Latest updates:

A minor editorial change was made.

Advisories

Advisories

YEMEN - AVOID ALL TRAVEL

Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada advises against all travel to Yemen. Canadians in Yemen should leave immediately, if it is safe to do so, as the security situation has deteriorated significantly and foreigners are at extreme risk. Road and airport closures may occur on short notice. Flight cancellations are also highly possible. The Government of Canada’s ability to provide any consular assistance in Yemen is extremely limited.

Security

Security

The decision to travel is your responsibility. You are also responsible for your personal safety abroad. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely information in its Travel Advice. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. The Government of Canada will assist you in leaving a country or a region as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at your personal expense. Situations vary from one location to another, and there may be constraints on government resources that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries or regions where the potential for violent conflict or political instability is high.

Terrorism

The security situation remains fragile and unpredictable. There is a high terrorist threat in Yemen, as terrorists regularly target government buildings. Al Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula has targeted Western interests: commercial establishments, diplomatic missions and tourist sites could be attacked. Maintain a high level of vigilance and personal security awareness at all times. Exercise extreme caution, particularly in areas known to be frequented by foreigners (that is, commercial, public and tourist areas), monitor local developments and follow the advice of local authorities. Register with and carefully follow messages issued through the Registration of Canadians Abroad service.

Terrorist groups also target checkpoints manned by the Houthi rebel group in Sanaa and elsewhere in the country, and target Houthis in general.

Kidnapping

There is a high risk to foreigners of kidnapping, and some hostages have been killed. Maintain a high level of vigilance at all times.

Demonstrations and civil unrest

Civil unrest and violent demonstrations occur regularly throughout the country, and clashes between security forces and tribal factions have also become commonplace since the beginning of May 2012. On January 20, 2015, Houthi rebels clashed with the Yemeni military and surrounded the presidential palace in Sanaa. Though the situation stabilized shortly thereafter, clashes between armed groups may still occur in the capital. On September 21, 2014, fighting between Houthi and government forces caused several hundred deaths in Sanaa.

A state of emergency was declared in March 2011 and remains in effect. The security situation deteriorated significantly following a breakdown of negotiations between the president and the opposition in May 2011. Avoid all political gatherings, crowds and demonstrations, and stay away from areas where they could occur, as they might turn violent without warning.

Landmines

Anti-personnel mines and unexploded munitions remain a danger in the southern and eastern areas of the country, particularly around Aden, and in the central highlands. Most have been marked and access clearly delimited. Exercise caution in these areas.

Crime

Weapons are easily available throughout the country and tribes are usually heavily armed. Petty crime such as credit card scams may occur. Carjacking is a serious concern in Yemen. Do not show signs of affluence and ensure that personal belongings and passports and other travel documents are secure at all times. Lock car doors and ensure that windows are closed.

Women’s safety

There have been reports of physical and verbal harassment toward women. Women should travel in groups and should not travel alone at night. Women should wear a headscarf, cover their arms and legs and avoid making eye contact with men in public.

Road travel

Call the police if you are involved in an accident. If the accident results in death or injuries, the driver may be jailed and/or fined. Compensation has to be paid to the family of the victims.

Undertake overland travel in a convoy of four-wheel-drive vehicles and with an experienced guide only. Leave a travel itinerary with a third party. Do not use the Aden-Taiz-Sanaa highway due to the high risk of kidnapping. Be well prepared and equipped with gasoline, water, food and a cell phone.

Avoid renting a car and driving it yourself.

Avoid public transportation.

Use only officially marked taxis and negotiate fares in advance.

Sea travel

Pirate attacks occur in coastal waters and, in some cases, farther out at sea. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. For additional information, consult the Live Piracy Report published by the International Maritime Bureau.

Carry identification documents at all times. Leave your passport in a safe place and carry a photocopy for identification purposes.

Checkpoints may be set up without warning.

Power shortages often occur.

Emergency services

Dial 199 in case of emergencies.

Entry/exit requirements

Entry/exit requirements

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry requirements. The following information on entry and exit requirements has been obtained from the Yemeni authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is your responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Republic of Yemen or one of its consulates for up-to-date information.

Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.

Passport

Canadians must present a passport to visit Yemen, which must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of expected departure from that country. Prior to travelling, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Visa

Canadians must be in possession of a visa to visit Yemen. Yemeni authorities do not issue visas at ports of entry. You must obtain your visa well in advance at the closest Yemeni diplomatic mission prior to travelling. Expect heavy penalties if you overstay the duration of your visa.

Local sponsor

A local sponsor may retain a student’s or an employee’s passport, but this is not required under Yemeni law.

Regional travel

Permission from the Yemen Tourist Police is required to travel outside Sanaa. Authorities may close access to certain areas without notice.

Canadians have been denied entry into Yemen because their passports bore an Israeli visa, an Israeli border stamp, or an Egyptian or Jordanian border stamp issued by an office bordering Israel. Such a stamp would indicate the traveller entered from Israel.

Yellow fever

See Health to obtain information on this country’s vaccination requirements.

Children and travel

Children need special documentation to visit certain countries. See Children for more information.

Consult a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic preferably six weeks before you travel.

Vaccines

Routine Vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccines are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.

Vaccines to Consider

You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health provider about which ones are right for you.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver spread through contaminated food and water or contact with an infected person. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should get vaccinated.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.

Influenza

Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Get the flu shot.

Measles

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease and is common in most parts of the world. Be sure your measles vaccination is up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.

Polio

There is a risk of polio in this country. Be sure that your vaccination against polio is up-to-date.

Rabies

Rabies is a deadly illness spread to humans through a bite, scratch or lick from an infected animal. Vaccination should be considered for travellers going to areas where rabies exists and who have a high risk of exposure (i.e., close contact with animals, occupational risk, and children).

Yellow Fever Vaccination

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

Cholera is a bacterial disease that is most often spread by drinking water or eating food that has been contaminated. It causes diarrhea and in severe cases it can lead to dehydration and even death.

Most travellers are at very low risk. Travellers at higher risk include those visiting, working or living in areas with limited access to safe food, water and proper sanitation, or to areas where outbreaks are occurring. Travellers at higher risk should discuss with a health care provider the benefits of getting vaccinated.

Schistosomiasis

Schistosomiasis can be spread to humans through freshwater sources contaminated by blood flukes (tiny worms). The eggs of the worms can cause stomach illnesses like diarrhea and cramps or urinary problems. Risk is generally low for most travellers. Avoid swimming in freshwater sources (lakes, rivers, ponds). There is no vaccine available for schistosomiasis.

Travellers' diarrhea

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid

Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among pediatric travellers, travellers going to rural areas, visiting friends and relatives or travelling for a long period of time. Travellers at high risk visiting regions with typhoid risk, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation should speak to a health care provider about vaccination.

Dengue fever occurs in this country. Dengue fever is a viral disease that can cause severe flu-like symptoms. In some cases it leads to dengue haemorrhagic fever, which can be fatal.

The risk of dengue is higher during the daytime, particularly at sunrise and sunset.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites. There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue fever.

Malaria

Malaria

There is a risk of malaria in certain areas and/or during a certain time of year in this country.

Malaria is a serious and occasionally fatal disease that is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. There is no vaccine against malaria.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites. This includes covering up, using insect repellent and staying in enclosed air-conditioned accommodations. You may also consider pre-treating clothing and travel gear with insecticides and sleeping under an insecticide-treated bednet.

Antimalarial medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling. See a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic, preferably six weeks before you travel to discuss your options.

Animals

Animals and Illness

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Certain infections found in some areas in Western Asia, like avian influenza and rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.

Person-to-Person

Person-to-Person Infections

Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.

Medical services and facilities

Medical facilities that are up to Western standards, such as the Yemen German Hospital in Sanaa, exist in Sanaa and Aden. There are no adequate emergency ambulance services. Immediate cash payment is often required.

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Illegal or restricted activities

Common-law relationships, homosexual relations, adultery and prostitution are illegal and are subject to severe punishment.

Avoid physical contact, including holding hands, in public.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict.

Public intoxication is a criminal offence, no matter where the alcohol was consumed. Consumption of alcohol outside approved venues is illegal and could result in arrest and/or fines and imprisonment. There is a zero tolerance policy regarding drinking and driving.

It is forbidden to photograph military and police personnel and installations, and government buildings. Military sites are not always clearly marked. Do not photograph people without their permission.

Customs

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized, which may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. You should travel using your Canadian passport and present yourself as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times. Dual citizens may be subject to national obligations, such as military service and taxes. See Travelling as a dual citizen for more information.

Family

Canadian children or spouses may be prevented from leaving the country without prior authorization of the father/husband.

Child custody decisions are based on Islamic law. It is extremely difficult for a Canadian woman, even if she is a Muslim, to obtain custody of her children through Yemeni courts.

Dress and behaviour

The country’s customs, laws and regulations adhere closely to Islamic practices and beliefs. Dress conservatively, behave discreetly and respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities.

Money

The currency is the Yemeni rial (YER). The economy is primarily cash-based. Credit cards and traveller’s cheques are accepted in some major hotels. Canadian currency and traveller’s cheques are not accepted. Automated banking machines may only be available in major cities.

Natural disasters & climate

Natural disasters & climate

Yemen is located in a seismic and a volcanic zone.

The monsoon season extends from June to September. Flooding is common during this time.